Fittsteps diaries

As a mum, summertime in Ireland is my least favourite time of year! The smallest kids are off school for 2 months, out of routine, bored with lack of "fun" things to do (tidying up is not classed as fun...), and as cranky as a bag of cats from being cooped up inside due to the perpetual lack of decent weather. And please let's not even begin to discuss the teenagers.....I always feel obliged to apologise to my own mother at the sight of my grumpy ones.

So naturally all the term time good habits tend to go out the window and that is before you head off for a holiday which of course means eating and drinking your body weight in treats for fun! It is a seemingly endless cycle of do good for school time, and sure I can start again in September.

I have tried very hard to do something different this year. I chose to stick to my routine.....sort of successfully.No I have not got out to workout as often as during school times, but I have gotten my workouts in at home much to the delight of my 5 year old, and embarrassment of afore mentioned teenagers. Yes I may have had a glass of wine or two on a Tuesday, just because I can, and there has even been a night or two out with actual other people involving indulgent goodies.Mostly though I have stuck to my healthy food choices and I feel great for it!

All work and no play as they say! But the truth is I feel great because I won't be starting over come September 1st, not completely. A little extra time and structure will have me back in top form, I hope. All it takes is a few minutes a day, a walk with the dog or family ( wellies and wet gear optional) a 15 minute at home circuit workout in the morning, or a swim if that's your thing. The real benefit of doing something active when the kids are at home, under foot and bored, is knowing that you are teaching them another option as well. Not all toys and video games but a little physical exertion into the mix.

I hope they grow up and choose to keep active and enjoy life, all it has to offer including the ice cream and cheesecake!

In the meantime, I will struggle on through our amazing summer weather safe in the knowledge that school is back in just 4 weeks!! Good luck

Author

Jessica Keniston is a mother of 4, former dancer and lover of fitness who has turned her passion into a career. Read favourite tips, recipes and workout advice here, and sympathise with the daily motherhood struggles!